Panda Eyes

Throughout my rollercoaster of life, there’s been a persistent theme: my dramatic dark circles. Externally, I got comments that made me wonder if I was a long-lost relative of pandas. Meanwhile, my internal critic was even less kind, blaming everything from genetics to last night’s Netflix binge. My post-pregnancy gift? Not a radiant glow, but an enhanced raccoon look. Desperate to find a solution, I consulted numerous doctors and tried countless day and night creams, and even considered DIY cucumber-goggle treatments. Spoiler alert: none worked. This insecurity was so profound that I constantly wore glasses, believing they hid my dark circles. I avoided making eye contact with others and sometimes even wore sunglasses indoors just to avoid any unwarranted attention to my eyes. My turning point came when I discovered an oculoplastic surgeon and decided to undergo a cosmetic procedure known as blepharoplasty. Despite its painful beginnings and a month-long recovery period, I chose this path, driven by my immense desire to see a change. Today, I firmly believe that if minor enhancements can boost one’s confidence, they’re worth considering. The key is to ensure the decision stems from personal desires and not societal pressures. Now, each day, when I look in the mirror, I’m filled with gratitude towards my doctor and the newfound confidence I feel. 

Quiz: How Fluent Are You in the Language of Body Love?

My worst critic: Me